In this review, we will be comparing Debut 2.0 B5.2 and M105, two Passive Bookshelf speakers from ELAC and Revel. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Revel M105 first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Revel M105 speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Revel M105 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Drivers
Both Debut 2.0 B5.2 and M105 are 2-way speakers.
Driver |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
Revel M105 |
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
Woofer
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
1 x 5.25-inch
|
Debut 2.0 B5.2 features a 1" Cloth Soft-dome Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Woven Aramid-Fiber Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2200Hz. On the other hand, the M105 features a 1" aluminum Hard-Dome with Acoustic Lens Waveguide Tweeter and 1 x 5.25" Aluminum Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 2300Hz.
Frequency Response
Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a frequency range of 46-35k Hz whereas M105 has a frequency range of 60Hz- 20kHz. With a minimum frequency of 46Hz, the Debut 2.0 B5.2 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the M105's min frequency of 60Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Bookshelf class in our database.
Low Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
High Frequency
Bookshelf Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
Debut 2.0 B5.2 is a 6 ohms speaker compared to the M105 which has a nominal impedance of 8 ohms.
On the other hand, they have the same sensitivity of 86 dBdB.
Sensitivity
Bookshelf Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
Debut 2.0 B5.2 features Binding post type posts and M105 has a Binding post type posts. None of these speakers feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Cabinet Type and Port Position
Debut 2.0 B5.2 has a front firing port whereas M105 has a rear firing ports. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's front-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Revel M105 with its rear-firing port.
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2's and Revel M105's external dimensions. ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 has external dimensions of 341.0 x 180.0 x 234.0mm ( 13.4 x 7.0 x 9.2inch) whereas Revel M105 has external dimensions of 359.0 x 202.0 x 251.0mm ( 14-1/8 x 7-15/16 x 9-7/8inch) .
Revel M105 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 22mm wider, 18mm taller and 17mm deeper than ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 and Revel M105 in scale.
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 is approximately 421.2cm2 / 65.3inch2 and base area of the Revel M105 is approximately 507.0cm2 / 78.6inch2. The Debut 2.0 B5.2 requires 17% less surface area than the M105 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Here is an another comparison that shows both speakers on a BDI Octave Media Cabinet, next to a standard size amplifier and turntable in scale:
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 weighs 5.90kg / 13lbs and the Revel M105 weighs 7.14kg / 15.7lbs. This makes the M105 21% heavier than the Debut 2.0 B5.2.
Here is a comparison of how Debut 2.0 B5.2 and M105's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Bookshelf class.
Weight
All Bookshelf Speakers
What's in the Box of ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Debut 2.0 B5.2:
2 Bookshelf loudspeakers 2 Grilles Operating Instructions
What's in the Box of Revel M105?
Here are the items that come with the M105:
Bookshelf loudspeakerGrilleFoam port plugOwners Manual
Low Frequency Response |
46 Hz
vs
60 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
High Frequency Response |
35k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
Port Position |
Front
vs
Rear
|
Gives more flexibility placing close to walls |
Height |
341mm
vs
359mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
Base Surface Area |
421cm2 (180x234mm)
vs
507cm2 (202x251mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
Price per pair* |
330USD
vs
1650USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
Nominal Impedance |
8 ohms
vs
6 ohms
|
Less selective with amplifiers |
General |
ELAC Debut 2.0 B5.2 |
Revel Performa3 M105 |
Brand |
ELAC |
Revel |
Speaker Type |
Bookshelf speakers |
Bookshelf speakers |
Power Range |
120 watts |
50-120 watts |
Sensitivity |
86 dB |
86 dB |
Impedance |
6 ohms |
8 ohms |
Frequency Response |
46-35k Hz |
60Hz- 20kHz |
Drivers |
|
|
Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
Woofer Size |
5.25" |
5.25" |
Woofer Composition |
Woven Aramid-Fiber |
Aluminum |
Woofer Surround Material |
Rubber |
Rubber |
Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
Tweeter Type |
Soft-dome |
Hard-Dome with Acoustic Lens Waveguide |
Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
Crossover Frequency |
2200Hz |
2300Hz |
Firing Direction |
front |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
Height |
341.0mm (13.4") |
359.0mm (14.1") |
Width |
180.0mm (7.1") |
202.0mm (8") |
Depth |
234.0mm (9.2") |
251.0mm (9.9") |
Weight |
5.90kg (13lbs) |
7.14kg (15.7lbs) |
Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
Finish |
CARB2 Rated MDF/Vinyl |
Wood/Lacquer |
Available Colors |
Black |
Gloss Walnut,Piano Black,Piano White |
Mounting Bracket |
No |
No |
Recommended Stand Height |
24-28" |
24-25" |
Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Biamp Inputs |
No |
No |
Other |
|
|
Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |
Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
5 Years |